From Grapes of Wrath

When the narrator of the selection from The Grapes of Wrath says, "You're not buying only junk, you're buying junked lives," what does he mean?

• Those who buy others' junk have little meaning in their lives.

• Only people with bad taste would accumulate and sell such rubbish.

• The value of junk is only clear to those who learn to appreciate it.

• The people who owned the junk have lives that now seem worthless.

What theme is suggested by this passage from the excerpt from The Grapes of Wrath? To California or any place--every one a drum major leading a parade of hurts, marching with our bitterness.

• Bitterness is never the answer to one's troubles.

• Everybody carries personal pain throughout life.

• We can escape bitterness if we go to new places.

• People need to rise above their petty problems.

In the excerpt, what are the characters selling? Choose TWO options.

• horses they hope to get cash for

• assistance for people moving away

• extra food they have in their pantry

• the house they no longer plan to live in

• belongings they cannot carry on their journey

In the excerpt, how does the narrator mainly feel toward those he interacts with in town?

• grateful

• bitter

• satisfied

• indifferent

In the excerpt, why do the characters decide to move away?

• They want to live closer to their extended family.

• They heard rumors that a destructive storm is approaching.

• They can no longer survive on their dry farmlands.

• They want to start a business somewhere new.

What do the characters in the excerpt do with the belongings that they cannot sell or take with them?

• drop them by the road

• leave them for others

• burn them

• give them away

In the excerpt, what does the narrator think will happen to the characters who buy his belongings?

• They will regret their cheapness.

• They will suffer a similar fate.

• They will never use what they buy.

• They will have better luck in life.

In the excerpt from The Grapes of Wrath, what are the characters selling? Choose two options.

• belongings they cannot carry on their journey

• the house they no longer plan to live in

• extra food they have in their pantry

• assistance for people moving away

• horses they hope to get cash for

Identify the choice that best answers the question.

Which of these passages from the excerpt from The Grapes of Wrath best supports the answer to question 10?

• Well, take it—all junk—and give me five dollars. You're not buying only junk, you're buying junked lives. And more—you'll see—you're buying bitterness.

• Now, what'll you give for the team and wagon? Those fine bays, matched they are, matched in color, matched the way they walk, stride to stride.

• How much? Ten dollars? For both? And the wagon . . . I'd shoot 'em for dog feed first. Oh, take ‘em! Take ‘em quick, mister.

• We could have saved you, but you cut us down, and soon you will be cut down and there'll be none of us to save you.

In the excerpt from The Grapes of Wrath, how does the narrator mainly feel toward those he interacts with in town?

• bitter

• grateful

• satisfied

• indifferent